The path to college is not always an easy one, but students at Northwest Early College High School (NWECHS) in the Canutillo Independent School District are well ahead of state and national averages. NWECHS students averaged a total score of 1051 on the PSAT while the state mean was 970 and the nation averaged 1019 on the test.

The Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) is a standardized test administered by the College Board. Approximately 3.5 million students take the PSAT/NMSQT each year. The scores from the PSAT/NMSQT are used to determine eligibility and qualification for the National Merit Scholarship Program.

Northwest Early College High School Principal Tracy Speaker-Gerstheimer emphasized the importance of having their students college-ready.

“We give a lot of attention and care to the preparation of our students for college,” Speaker-Gerstheimer said. “Many in our community don’t understand how to navigate the path to college. We are here to support the students with guidance, tutoring and give an SAT prep camp on Saturdays.”

Northwest students are on a roll. Six seniors were surprised when they learned that UTEP presented them with scholarships worth about $100,000 in total during a special meeting December 15. And, December 9, Northwest Early College High School students participated in the El Paso Community College graduation ceremony, earning their Associates degree even before graduating from high school.

Northwest met all state standards in the latest 2015-2016 report and earned all seven TEA distinctions. Northwest Early College High School is open to all current 8th and 9th grade students in Canutillo ISD and surrounding area. Those who are interested in attending for the 2017-18 school year have until January 26, 2017 to apply for admission. Download the application here.